Garlic and Brown Butter Sautéed Spinach
Experience the vibrant flavors of young, tender spinach brought to life in this Garlic and Brown Butter Sautéed Spinach dish. The nutty richness of brown butter combined with fragrant garlic creates an irresistible sauce that perfectly coats the fresh spinach, enhancing its natural taste without overwhelming it. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also makes an elegant vegetable accompaniment for any meal. Serve this colorful side dish alongside your favorite proteins for a well-rounded dining experience.
2
Servings
150
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
garlic cloves
2 (gently crushed and peeled)
spinach
10-12 ounces (thick stems trimmed, leaves washed and dried)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
lemon
1 (halved for squeezing)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan, allowing the butter to turn a beautiful golden brown and emit a nutty aroma. Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning, which will create a bitter taste.
2
Once the butter is brown and fragrant, increase the heat to high. Add the cleaned spinach to the pan, using tongs to flip and stir it. Cook for just about 1 minute, or until the spinach becomes only slightly wilted but retains its vibrant color and freshness.
3
Remove the pan from the heat and take out the garlic cloves. Season the sautéed spinach generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
4
Toss the spinach well to distribute the seasoning, and serve immediately while still warm.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic and Brown Butter Sautéed Spinach?
It is a quick side dish where fresh spinach is cooked in nutty brown butter and garlic, finished with a squeeze of lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the sautéed spinach?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This dish provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
What is brown butter?
Brown butter is butter that has been melted and cooked until the milk solids turn golden brown and develop a nutty aroma.
How do I know when the butter is ready?
The butter is ready when it turns a golden brown color and emits a distinct nutty fragrance.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep a close eye on the garlic while browning the butter and adjust the heat if necessary; burnt garlic will taste bitter.
What heat setting should I use for the spinach?
Once the butter is browned, increase the heat to high to sauté the spinach quickly.
How long does it take to cook the spinach?
The spinach takes only about 1 minute to cook until it is slightly wilted.
Should I keep the garlic cloves in the finished dish?
No, the instructions recommend removing the garlic cloves from the pan before serving.
Why is lemon juice added at the end?
Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity which balances the richness of the brown butter.
What type of spinach should I use?
You should use 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach with thick stems trimmed and leaves washed.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you should adjust the amount of added salt later to avoid making the dish too salty.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe vegan?
While the tags mention vegan-friendly, the recipe uses dairy butter; you would need to substitute with a plant-based butter to make it vegan.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be gently crushed and peeled before being added to the butter.
How do I clean the spinach?
Trim any thick stems, wash the leaves thoroughly in cold water, and ensure they are dried before cooking.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Fresh spinach is recommended for this recipe to achieve the correct texture and vibrant color.
What tools are needed for this recipe?
You will need a large sauté pan and tongs to flip and stir the spinach.
What does the spinach look like when it is done?
It should be slightly wilted but still retain a vibrant green color and some freshness.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but ensure your pan is large enough to handle the volume of spinach without overcrowding it.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and takes only a few minutes to cook once the butter is browned.
How should I season the spinach?
Season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served immediately while warm for the best texture and color.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How do I reheat the spinach?
Reheat briefly in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, though it may wilt further.
What can I serve with this spinach?
It makes an elegant vegetable accompaniment for proteins like roasted chicken, steak, or fish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a vegetable-forward side dish that is low in carbohydrates and rich in nutrients from the spinach.